Design should include clean, efficient, and sustainable uses of water, energy, buildings, roadways, waste disposal, and buffer and riparian zones to keep environmental impact to a minimum.

Process/Skill Questions:

• What are the limitations of the land (e.g., water, topography, distance from major cities)?
• What technologies can be used to aid in designing a community that will have a minimum impact on the environment?
• What are some examples of environmentally friendly development?
• How can best management practices (direct and indirect) in urban areas be implemented to decrease stormwater runoff and increase groundwater recharge?
• What techniques can be used to decrease the amount of energy used, and what alternative development methods can be employed?
• What is the rationale of keeping environmental impacts to a minimum?

Teacher Resource: What is LEED Certification?